Although I'm loathe to think of singular influences (we don't exist in a vacuum, we are constantly being shown new ideas and techniques that we emulate or rebel against, whether we know it or not), there are a few clear ones. First and foremost is Peter David, I think it's obvious just how much impact he's had on my style. Also heavily influencing me is Berke Breathed, as even a cursory view of Stress Puppy makes clear. Also shaping me were Mike Royko and Bernie Lincicome. They were both Chicago columnists working very different beats (Royko was politics and current events, Lincicome was sports), but their style and how they viewed the world resonated with me.